Mike Leach and Matt Campbell set the stage for 2018 Alamo Bowl

Washington State is favored by 3.5 points over the Iowa State Cyclones at the Alamodome as of December 6.

Author:
Evan Closky

Published:
5:30 PM CST December 6, 2018

Updated:
6:34 PM CST December 6, 2018

Former Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach is excited to be back in San Antonio.

"It has always been an omission. I go past the Alamo constantly and say 'I'm going to go to the Alamo.' Then run out of time, so next time. Well, I got to make sure I go this time," Leach said.

So the history buff will finally cross that off his bucket list as well as, hopefully, snagging an Alamo Bowl victory in December.

Leach will bring his No. 13 Washington State football team to town to take on No. 24 Iowa State on Friday, December 28.

The Cougars are looking for a program-record 11 wins. Iowa State is hoping for a program-record nine wins.

"Quite honestly to play a program like what Coach Leach has built at Washington State--the season they've had--we certainly know the opportunity and challenge ahead of us," Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell said.

Washington State has one of the most electric offenses in the country with senior quarterback Gardner Minshew leading the charge. He has thrown for more than 4,470 yards with a total of 39 touchdowns. Also, nine different players have more than 25 receptions with more than 250 yards.

For the Cyclones, they take great pride in their defense holding 10 opponents less than their scoring average. On the offensive end, junior running back David Montgomery has 1,092 rushing yards with 12 touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Hakeem Butler has 51 receptions for 1,126 yards and nine touchdowns.

Washington State is favored by 3.5 points at the Alamodome as of December 6. Four of the last six matchups have been within a touchdown.

This is the fifth straight year the Alamo Bowl has secured two top-25 teams for the big game.